Politics & Government

Dearborn to Amend Dog Ordinance for Certain Offenses

The city will decriminalize certain dog-related offenses in favor of graduated civil infraction fines.

The city of Dearborn is hoping to reduce the number of dog owners who contest violations of the city's animal ordinance by implementing a three strikes rule for certain offenses.

The Dearborn City Council could approve the second reading of the proposed ordinance amendment to decriminalize certain dog-related offenses in favor of a graduated civil infraction fine schedule at its meeting in August.

The offenses include failure to "clean up" after an animal; failure to have a dog leashed while on a public sidewalk; failure to license a dog; allowing a dog to run at large; tethering and excessive barking.

Currently all of the listed offenses are misdemeanors in Dearborn.

"A lot of people fight the charges because they do not want a criminal record," said Debra Walling, city attorney. "This amendment is similar to our ordinance for weeds and tall grass, where someone is given several chances to address the problem."

Under the proposed changes, a first offense would be considered a civil infraction, with a $75 fine. A second offense is punishable with a $100 fine, and a third offense is punishable with a $250 fine. After the third offense, the dog owner can be charged with a misdemeanor. 

The Dearborn City Council's next meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 13. The Committee of the Whole will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 at city hall, 13615 Michigan Ave.


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